Magnetic fastening means



July 21, 1964 BRETT 3,141,216

MAGNETIC FASTENING MEANS Filed Nov. 19, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ELIZABETH BRETT ATTORNEYS.

July 21, 1964 E. BRETT MAGNETIC FASTENING MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 19, 1962 FIG] FIG.8.

United States Patent f 3,141,216 MAGNETIC FASTENING MEANS Elizabeth Brett, 250 E. 49th St, New York, N.Y.; now by change of name to Elizabeth W. Haskell Filed Nov. 19, 1962, er. No. 238,700 6 Claims. (Cl. 24201) This invention relates to improved fastening means, and particularly relates to improved magnetic fastening means simulating a button.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my prior application Ser. No. 165,595 filed January 11, 1962, for magnetic button.

One object of this invention is to provide improved magnetic fastening means for two members, which can fasten the members securely and which can be easily manipulated into and out of fastening position.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved magnetic fastening means for garments and the like, which can be readily and attractively assembled with the garment flaps which are to be secured by the fastening means.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved fastening means for the above described type which can be easily moved into registration so as to be locked together by magnetism.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the fastening means for two members comprises a support and a ferromagnet for each member. The support comprises a ferromagnetic end disk and a ferromagnetic post connected to the end disk and perpendicular thereto. The magnet is annular with a through central opening. The magnet is secured to the support with an end face of the magnet flush against the disk and with the post extending into the central opening of the magnet. The support is further secured to the member.

In each embodiment, one support post extends slightly less than the full length of the central opening of its associated magnet to define a relatively shallow central socket. The second support post extends correspondingly more than the length of the central opening of the second magnet to define a protrusion. The exposed faces of the magnets are of opposite polarities and are thereby releasably lockable in flush abutting, opposing position, with the protrusion being locatingly received within the socket. Highly advantageously, the ends of the respective posts abut each other in the assembled condition of the magnets.

The protrusion only extends a relatively short distance beyond the exposed face of the first magnet. Accordingly, even if the two magnets are not entirely in registration initially, the magnets will still be partially held in abutting position, and it is a simple matter to slide one magnet relative to the other until the protrusion is received within the socket.

The improved fastening means are attractive and readily assembled and readily attached to garment flaps, while at the same time providing a strong but releasable closure for the flaps which can be readily manipulated, even by the physically handicapped.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description, in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a vertical section of a first embodiment of the improved fastening means as applied to respective garment flaps, the two fastening members being shown in opposed but open or separated relationship.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one of the asteners, together with the garment flap to which it is 3,141,216 Patented July 21, 1954 attached and also showing an optional fabric covering for one of the elements of the fastener.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the fastening means shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the two fastening members showing the exposed faces of the magnets in plan.

FIG. 5 is a vertical section of a second embodiment of the improved fastening means, as applied to respective garment flaps, the two fastening members being shown in opposed but open or separated relationship.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the two fasteners, together with the garment fiaps to which they are attached and also showing an optional fabric covering for one of the elements of the fastener.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the fastening members in closed relationship.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a third embodiment of the invention.

The drawings are generally to scale of working models of the invention, FIG. 1 being drawn substantially to four times actual size of the models. Reference is made to the drawings to complete the disclosure herein.

First Embodiment Upon reference to FIGS. 1-4 in detail, it will be noted that they show a pair of flaps 10 and 11 which are to be secured together by first and second fastening members 13 and 12.

Fastening member 13 includes a first ferromagnetic support 24, having a first cylindrical peripheral wall 25, an outer end closure wall 26 and an axially extending post 27 within cylindrical wall 25 and connected to end wall 26. Optionally, the parts of support 24 may be formed integrally.

Fastening member 12 comprises a second ferromagnetic support 14, having a second cylindrical peripheral wall 15, an outer end closure Wall 16 and an axially extending post 17 within cylindrical wall 15 and connected to end wall 16. Optionally, the parts of support 14 may be formed integrally.

First and second annular ferromagnets .31 and 30 are respectively frictionally received within said cylindrical walls 25 and 15 and protrude beyond the open inner ends of said walls 25 and 15. Posts 17 and 27 respectively extend into the central openings 36a and 31a of the respective magnets 30 and 31. Optionally, the posts extend clearingly into the openings.

The first support post 27 extends slightly less than the full length of the central opening 31a of the first magnet 31 to define a relatively shallow central socket 40. The second support post 17 extends correspondingly slightly more than the length of the central opening 36a of the second magnet 30 to define a protrusion 41.

The exposed faces 30b of magnet 30 and 31b of magnet 31 are of opposite polarities and thereby releasably lockable in flush, abutting, opposing position. Protrusion 41 is then received locatingly within socket 40. In other words, the seating of protrusion 41 in socket 40 substantially prevents accidental sideways movement of one magnet relative to the other. At the same time, the magnets are sufficiently strong so as to resist accidental axial separation thereof.

Also in accordance with the invention, magnet 30 is extended through a hold ltla of flap 10, and magnet 31 is extended through a hole 11a of flap 11.. In order to secure the supports to the respective flaps, in each instance a hollow open-ended shell 50 has a peripheral wall 51 spacedly surrounding the respective cylindrical Wall 15 or 25 as the case may be. Further description is made with respect to wall 15, but it will be apparent that the assembly of the other shell is identical. Said shell 50 has an outer end wall 49 which is spaced outwardly of the outer end wall 16 of support 14. The material of flap 10 is folded outwardly at 1011 around the periphery of magnet 30. The outer edge of shell peripheral wall 51 has inturned transverse prongs 52 which are preferably somewhat flexible and resilient and which are extended through the flap material 101;. Accordingly, the prongs 52 engage the flap material 10b around hole 10a and extend radially inwardly of the periphery of cylindrical support wall 15 and clamp the material 10b against the free end edge 15a of cylindrical support wall 15. Said prongs 52 are located axially outwardly of the exposed face 3% of magnet 30.

Optionally, the shell 50 may be covered with a correspondingly sized piece of material 55 which extends closely conformingly around the outside of the shell. Said fabric 55 is turned inwardly at 55a, outwardly of the material 10b, and is clamped by the prongs 52. 7 It will be apparent that the material 55 may first be assembled with the shell 50 with the prongs 52 piercing the turned fabric portion 55a. The shell may then be moved axially toward the support, so that the prongs engage against the outer periphery of wall 15 and are sprung outwardly. Once the prongs axially clear the inner edge 15a of wall 15, they spring radially inwardly to the final position shown in the drawing.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the supports 14 and 2 4 are respectively entirely concealed within the shells, and that only the exposed faces of the magnets are visible. Accordingly, the construction is attractive, and at the same time strong, and avoids the need for stitching to secure the respective fasteners 12 and 13 to the flaps 10 and 11. It will also be apparent that the fiaps 11B and 11 may readily be secured together by bringing the magnets into registration. In the event that the magnets initially abut each other, without being in registration, the protrusion 41 abuts the magnet surface 3112. However, there is still a considerable amount of attraction between the magnets, and they may be readily slid relative to each other until the rounded protrusion 41 registers with the socket 4%), at which point the respective faces 3% and 31b of the magnets move into complete flush abutment. The ends of the posts then preferably abut each other.

The disassembly of the magnets can be accomplished by axial movement of the magnets away from each other. Relatively strong magnets are employed, but since the shells provide adequate gripping surface, even a handicapped person can perform the simple manipulation involved in separating the magnets so as to open the flaps 1t) and 11.

Second Embodiment Upon reference to FIGS. 5-7 of the drawing in detail, it will be noted that they show a pair of flaps 110 and 111 which are to be secured together by first and second fastening members 113 and 112.

Fastening member 113 includes a first metal support 124 having a first generally cylindrical or round peripheral wall 125 and an outer end closure wall 126. Ferromagnetic disk 127a may be considered as part of support 124 and is received within peripheral wall 125 against end wall 126; and axially extending ferromagnetic post 127 within peripheral wall 125 is connected to disk 127a. Post 127 extends frictionally into a central opening of disk 127a and is secured therein by any suitable means. Disk 127a. is round and clears wall 125. The free end portion 125a of wall 125 is crimped inwardly to prevent disk 127a from becoming separated from wall 125.

Fastening member 112 comprises a second metal support 114 having a second general cylindrical or round peripheral wall 115 and an outer end closure wall 116. Disk 117a is received within peripheral wall 115 against end wall 116 and an axially extending ferromagnetic post 117 within peripheral wall 115 is connected to disk 117a. Post 117 extends frictionally into a central opening of disk 117a and is secured therein by any suitable means. Disk 117a is round and clears wall 115. The free end portion 115a of wall 115 is crimped inwardly to prevent disk 117a from becoming separated from wall 115.

The free ends of the posts are optionally chamfered. First and second annular ferromagnets 131 and 130 are respectively adapted to be frictionally received within said peripheral walls 125 and 115 and protrude beyond the open inner walls of said walls 125 and 115. Posts 117 and 127 respectively extend into the central openings 13%. and 131a of the respective magnets 130 and 131.

In this embodiment, each flap is clamped between a respective magnet and support. Specifically, flap 111 has an opening 111a which may be formed by punching or other means, or else by forcing post 127 through the fabric 111. In any event, the post 127 is extended through the opening 111a with the fabric of flap 111 thereby being located against disk 127a. Magnet 131 is then placed in position with post 127 extending through magnet opening 131a. FIG. 5 shows the fabric of flap 111 located over the opening of support 124 and shows magnet 131 inserted into the support 124. In a similar manner, the flap 110, magnet 130 and support 114 are assembled with post 117 extending through the opening 111111 of the material of flap 111). As shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, when the magnet 130 is completely inserted within support 114, the fabric of flap is clamped between an end face of magnet 130 and disk 117a. The fabric is also clamped frictionally by wall portion a against the peripheral wall of magnet 130, with the crimping of wall portion 115a being optionally increased so as to ensure against magnet 130 separating from support 114. In a similar manner, in final assembly the crimped free end portion 125a of wall 125 (the crimping being optionally increased) clamps the fabric of flap 111 against the periphery of magnet 131, with the fabric further being clamped between an end face of magnet and disk 127a.

Optionally, each magnet is slightly frustroconical with its inner end of smallest diameter to facilitate the clamping of the magnet in place within its support by the crimped wall end 115a or 125a.

In the final assembly of the fastening members 112 and 113, the magnets respectively protrude beyond the open inner ends of the walls 125 and 115. In this embodiment, the posts are shown as extending in fairly close tolerance into the central openings of the magnets. Optionally, additional clearance can be provided as shown in the first embodiment.

The first support post 127 of this embodiment extends slightly less than the full length of the central opening 131a of the first magnet 131 to define a relatively shallow central socket 141 The second support post 117 extends correspondingly slightly more than the length of the central opening 130a of second magnet 130 to define a protrusion 141. The exposed faces 13% of magnet 130 and 131]; of magnet 131 are of opposite polarities, and thereby releasably lockable in flush, abutting, opposing position. Protrusion 141 is then received locatingly within socket 140. In other words, the seating of protrusion 141 in socket substantially prevents accidental sideways movement of one magnet relative to the other. At the same time, the magnets are sufiiciently strong so as to resist accidental axial separation thereof.

As shown in FIG. 7, the end of post protrusion 141 abuts the end of post 127 when the opposing magnet faces 13011 and 131b abut each other. It has been found that this greatly increases the magnetic force of attraction of the fastening elements. If there is to be any variation in tolerance, then it is important that the combined length of the posts be at least great enough so as to maintain the magnet faces in flush abutment, and it has been found that the device works reasonably well even if the magnet faces are very slightly out of flush abutment when the ends of the post abut each other.

112 and 113 to the flaps 119 and 111.

It will be understood that either or both of the fastening elements may be covered or left bare, as desired. If either of the fastening elements is to be covered, the shell arrangement of the first embodiment may be employed. Advantageously, however, the covering arrangement shown in FIGS. 5-7 may be employed in either embodiment. In the second embodiment, only one of the fasten ing elements is shown as covered, but it will be understood that both may be covered. As shown in the drawing, there is provided a hollow shell 150 having a peripheral wall 151 surrounding wall 115. Shell 150 has an outer end wall 149 which is spaced outwardly of the outer end wall 116 of support 114 and which is optionally convex. A separate round piece of fabric 16%) is extended around the outside of wall 149, around the outside of wall 151, and folded inwardly at 169a against the inner surface of wall 151 and also against the outer surface of wall 115. The wall 151 may be crirnped in wardly at its free end portion 151a so as frictionally to clamp the fabric to the inner wall 115.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that in the case of the covered element, the support 114 is completely concealed within the shell, so that only the exposed face 1230b of magnet 131) is visible. Accordingly the construction is attractive, and at the same time strong, and avoids the need for stitching to secure the respective fasteners It Will also be apparent that the fiaps 110 and 111 may readily be secured together by bringing the magnets into registration.

In the event that the magnets initially abut each other, without being in registration, the protrusion 141 abuts the magnet surface 131b. However, there is still a considerable amount of attraction between the magnets, and they may be readily slid relative to each other until the rounded protrusion 141 registers with the socket 141?, at which point the respective faces 13% and 13112 of the magnets move into complete flush abutment.

The disassembly of the magnets may be accomplished by axial movement of the magnets away from each other. Relatively strong magnets are employed, but since the shells provide adequate gripping surface, even a handicapped person can perform the simple manipulation involved in separating the magnets so as to open the flaps 110 and 111.

As a further feature of this invention, the components are well suited to successive stages of assembly. Thus, in an initial stage of assembly, the post 117 may be fixed to the disk 117a, and these parts may be loosely assembled with the support 114 by placing the plate 117a within the support and partially crimping the wall 115 inwardly at 115a. In a similar manner, the assembled post 127 and disk 127a may be loosely received within the support 113 with the wall 125 partially crimped inwardly at 125a. The assembled supports and magnets may then be shipped to a garment manufacturer. The garment manufacturer may readily assemble each support, magnet and flap together, using a simple press to further crimp the walls 115 and 125 inwardly so as to hold the assemblies secure. Similarly, the covering of one or both fastening elements may be readily accomplished in the garment factory.

Third Embodiment FIG. 8 shows the invention applied illustratively to the coupling of toy train cars, designated respectively as C and C and shown in phantom. Tongue T is connected to car C, and tongue T' is connected to car C, in each instance by conventional means which may be nonrigid. The tongues may be made of metal.

Tongue T terminates in free end portion 117a, and tongue T terminates in free end portion 127a in opposed, spaced parallel relation to tongue portion 117a. Tongue portion 117a and 127a respectively correspond to disks 117a and 127a, in that studs 117 and 127 respectively extend therefrom towards each other. Studs 117 and 127 respectively extend into magnets 139 as in the first two embodiments. The magnets may be glued or otherwise secured to the disks.

FIG. 8 shows the magnets assembled to couple the cars. It will be apparent that the magnets can rotate about their axis relative to each other when the cars travel around curves.

Optionally, the assembled magnets and disks together with shells 116 and 126 may be mounted upon the articles to be joined.

It will be apparent that other articles can be readily joined by means of the improved fastening means disclosed herein.

While I have disclosed preferred embodiments of the invention, and have indicated various changes, additions and omissions which may be made therein, it will be apparent that various other changes, omissions and additions may be made in the invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.

I claim:

1. Fastening means for a pair of flaps comprising:

(1) first and second supports each having a cylindrical peripheral wall, an outer ferromagnetic end closure wall and an axially extending ferromagnetic post within said cylindrical Wall and connected to said end wall;

(2) first and second annular ferromagnets with respective through central openings respectively frictionally received within said cylindrical walls and protruding beyond the open inner ends thereof, said posts respectively extending clearingly into the central openings of said magnets,

(a) the first support post extending slightly less than the full length of the central opening of the first magnet to define a relatively shallow central socket,

(b) the second support post extending correspondingly slightly more than the length of the central opening of the second magnet to define a protrusion,

(c) the exposed faces of said magnets being of opposite polarities and thereby releasably lockable in flush abutting, opposing position, said protrusion being locatingly received in said socket in endwise abutment with said first support post; and

(3) means respectively engageable with the free ends of said respective cylindrical walls between said free ends and the exposed faces of said magnets for attaching the respective fiaps to said supports.

2. Fastening means for a pair of flaps comprising:

(1) first and second supports each having a cylindrical peripheral wall, an outer ferromagnetic end closure wall and an axially extending ferromagnetic post within said cylindrical wall and connected to said end wall;

(2) first and second annular ferromagnets with respective through central openings respectively frictionally received within said cylindrical walls and protruding beyond the open inner ends thereof, said posts respectively extending clearingly into the central openings of said magnets,

(a) the first support post extending slightly less than the full length of the central opening of the first magnet to define a relatively shallow central socket,

(b) the second support post extending correspondingly slightly more than the length of the central opening of the second magnet to define a protrusion,

(c) the exposed faces of said magnets being of opposite polarities and thereby releasably lockable in flush abutting, opposing position, said protrusion being locatingly received in said socket in endwise abutment with said first support post; said flaps having holes through which the protruding portions of said magnets are extended; and (3) hollow open-ended shells having peripheral walls respectively spacedly surrounding said cylindrical walls, each said shell peripheral wall having inturned resilient prongs for engaging the flap material around the hole and for extending radially inwardly of the periphery of said cylindrical support wall and for clamping the material against the free end of said support cylindrical wall, said prongs being located axially outwardly of the exposed face of said magnet. 3. Fastening means for two members comprising a support and a ferromagnet for each member, said support comprising a ferromagnetic end disk and a ferromagnetic post connected to said end disk and perpendicular thereto, said magnet being annular with a through central opening, means securing said magnet to said support with an end face of said magnet flush against said disk and with said post extending into the central opening of said magnet, and means securing said support to said member,

one support post extending slightly less than the full length of its associated magnet to define a relatively shallow central socket, the second support post extending correspondingly more than the length of the central portion of the second magnet to define a protrusion, the exposed faces of the magnets being of opposite polarities and being thereby releasably lockable in flush abutting, opposing position with said protrusion being locatingly received within said socket, the free end of said protrusion then abutting the free end of the said one support post.

4. Fastening means for a pair of flaps comprising a support and a ferromagnet for each flap, said support having a round peripheral wall, an outer ferromagnetic end wall and an axially extending ferromagnetic post within said round wall and connected to said end wall and perpendicular thereto, said magnet being annular with a through central opening, said support and said magnet adapted to clamp said flap with said magnet received within said round wall and protruding beyond the open inner end thereof, said post extending into the central opening of said magnet, said flap frictionally between said end wall and the proximate end face of said magnet and said flap also frictionally between the periphery of said magnet and said round wall, one support post extending slightly less than the full length of its associated magnet to define a relatively shallow central socket, the second support post extending correspondingly more than the length of the central portion of the second magnet to define a protrusion, the exposed faces of the magnets being of opposite polarities and being thereby releasably lockable in flush abutting, opposing position with said protrusion being locatingly received within said socket, the free end of said protrusion then abutting the free end of the said one support post.

5. Fastening means for a pair of flaps comprising a support and a ferromagnet for each flap, said support having a round peripheral wall, an outer end wall fixed to said round wall, an inner end wall ferromagnetic disk against said outer end Wall and an axially extending ferromagnetic post within said round wall and connected to said disk and perpendicular therethrough, said magnet being annular with a central opening, said support and said magnet adapted to clamp said flap with said magnet received within said round wall and protruding beyond the open inner end thereof, said post extending into the central opening of said magnet, said flap frictionally between said disk and the proximate end face of said magnet and said flap also frictionally between the periphery of said magnet and said round wall, one support post extending slightly less than the full length of its associated magnet to define a relatively shallow central socket, the second support post extending correspondingly more than the length of the central portion of the second magnet to define a protrusion, the exposed faces of the magnets being of opposite polarities and being thereby releasably lockable in flush abutting, opposing position with said protrusion being locatingly received within said socket, the free end of said protrusion then abutting the free end of the said one support post.

6. In combination, a pair of flexible flaps and fastening means therefor, said fastening means comprising a support and a ferromagnet for each flap, said support having a round peripheral wall, an outer end wall fixed to said round wall, an inner end wall ferromagnetic disk against said outer end wall and an axially extending ferromagnetic post within said round wall and connected to said disk and perpendicular thereto, said magnet being annular with a central opening, said flap having a flap opening, said flap being received within said support against said disk and against said round wall and over and beyond the free end of said round wall, said magnet being received within said round wall with an end face of said magnet clamping said flap against said disk and with said post extending into the central opening of said magnet, the free end portion of said round wall being crimped radially inwardly with the free end of said round wall clamping said flap against the periphery of said magnet and retaining said magnet within said support, said magnet protruding inwardly of the free end of said round wall by the thickness of said fabric, one support post extending slightly less than the full length of its associated magnet to define a relatively shallow central socket, the second support post extending correspondingly more than the length of the central portion of the second magnet to define a protrusion, the exposed faces of the magnets being of opposite polarities and being thereby releasably lockable in flush abutting, opposing position with said protrusion being locatingly received within said socket, the free end of said protrusion then abutting the free end of the said one support post.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,475,573 Smith July 5, 1949 3,038,232 Wean June 12, 1962 

1. FASTENING MEANS FOR A PAIR OF FLAPS COMPRISING: (1) FIRST AND SECOND SUPPORTS EACH HAVING A CYLINDRICAL PERIPHERAL WALL, AN OUTER FERROMAGNETIC END CLOSURE WALL AND AN AXIALLY EXTENDING FERROMAGNETIC POST WITHIN SAID CYLINDRICAL WALL AND CONNECTED TO SAID END WALL; (2) FIRST AND SECOND ANNULAR FERROMAGNETS WITH RESPECTIVE THROUGH CENTRAL OPENINGS RESPECTIVELY FRICTIONALLY RECEIVED WITHIN SAID CYLINDRICAL WALLS AND PROTRUDING BEYOND THE OPEN INNER ENDS THEREOF, SAID POSTS RESPECTIVELY EXTENDING CLEARINGLY INTO THE CENTRAL OPENINGS OF SAID MAGNETS, (A) THE FIRST SUPPORT POST EXTENDING SLIGHTLY LESS THAN THE FULL LENGTH OF THE CENTRAL OPENING OF THE FIRST MAGNET TO DEFINE A RELATIVELY SHALLOW CENTRAL SOCKET, (B) THE SECOND SUPPORT POST EXTENDING CORRESPONDINGLY SLIGHTLY MORE THAN THE LENGTH OF THE CENTRAL OPENING OF THE SECOND MAGNET TO DEFINE A PROTRUSION, (C) THE EXPOSED FACES OF SAID MAGNETS BEING OF OPPOSITE POLARITIES AND THEREBY RELEASABLY LOCKABLE IN FLUSH ABUTTING, OPPOSING POSITION, SAID PROTRUSION BEING LOCATINGLY RECEIVED IN SAID SOCKET IN ENDWISE ABUTMENT WITH SAID FIRST SUPPORT POST; AND (3) MEANS RESPECTIVELY ENGAGEABLE WITH THE FREE ENDS OF SAID RESPECTIVE CYLINDRICAL WALLS BETWEEN SAID FREE ENDS AND THE EXPOSED FACES OF SAID MAGNETS FOR ATTACHING THE RESPECTIVE FLAPS TO SAID SUPPORTS. 